Current Facts and Figures 7/19/2016

Scripture of the Day:

Matthew 8:7

            And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Information about breast cancer seems to change on a weekly basis if not a daily basis. It is so hard to keep up. I have downloaded an article that gives the current information as of July 19, 2016. There is some reading to be done here and the link will be provided. I just want to highlight some of what is said.

This publication attempts to summarize current scientific information about breast cancer. Except when specified, it does not represent the official policy of the American Cancer Society. Suggested citation: American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2015-2016. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc. 2015.

What is breast cancer? Cancer is a group of diseases that cause cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer cells eventually form a lump or mass called a tumor, and are named after the part of the body where the tumor originates. The vast majority of breast cancers begin in the parts of the breast tissue that are made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, and ducts that connect the lobules to the nipple. The remainder of the breast is made up of fatty, connective, and lymphatic tissues. Breast cancer is typically detected either during a screening examination, before symptoms have developed, or after a woman notices a lump. Most masses seen on a mammogram and most breast lumps turn out to be benign; that is, they are not cancerous, do not grow uncontrollably or spread, and are not life-threatening. When cancer is suspected, microscopic analysis of breast tissue is necessary for a definitive diagnosis and to determine the extent of spread (in situ or invasive) and characterize the type of the disease. The tissue for microscopic analysis can be obtained via a needle or surgical biopsy. Selection of the type of biopsy is based on individual patient clinical factors, availability of particular biopsy devices, and resources.

This information given is not necessarily new. but I felt important enough to share. The following chart is information that is new and interesting.

Table 1. 

Estimated New Female Breast Cancer Cases and Deaths by Age, US, 2015* Age In Situ Cases Invasive Cases Deaths 

Age              In Situ Cases              Invasive Cases              Deaths  

<40               1,650                          10,500                           1,010

40-49            12,310                        35,850                           3,690

50-59            16,970                        54,060                           7,600

60-69            15,850                        59,990                           9,090

70-79             9,650                         42,480                           8,040

80+                3,860                         28,960                           10,860

All Ages        60,290                       231,840                         40,290

I fall into the 60-69 category. These numbers are frightening to me.

What are the signs and symptoms of

breast cancer?

What are the signs and symptoms of

breast cancer?

Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most easily treated. Therefore, it is very important for women to follow recommended screening guidelines for detecting breast cancer at an early stage. When breast cancer has grown to a size that can be felt, the most common physical sign is a painless lump. Sometimes breast cancer can spread to underarm lymph nodes and cause a lump or swelling, even before the original breast tumor is large enough to be felt. Less common signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; persistent changes to the breast, such as swelling, thickening, or redness of the breast’s skin; and nipple abnormalities such as spontaneous discharge (especially if bloody), erosion, or retraction. It is important to note that pain (or lack thereof) does not indicate the presence or the absence of breast cancer. Any persistent change in the breast should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.

This article goes on for 44 pages as a PDF download. Some of it is old news but some of it is very interesting and somewhat depressing. I'll finish with this chart that breaks down some of the statistics by state:

This link will take you to the site that I used for this information. You may find more information pertaining to you specifically.

Cancer Facts and Figures 2016

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with His healing touch. I know He loves you.